In a column for USA Today, Clooney pointed out several inaccuracies in the report - Amal's mother is not Druze - and accused the tabloid of irresponsibly exploiting religious differences where none exist and "inciting violence".

The story has now been pulled from the MailOnline and the website said in a statement: "The MailOnline story was not a fabrication but supplied in good faith by a reputable and trusted freelance journalist.

"She based her story on conversations with a long standing contact who has strong connections with senior members of the Lebanese community in the UK and the Druze in Beirut."

It continued: "We only became aware of Mr Clooney's concerns this morning and have launched a full investigation.

"However, we accept Mr Clooney's assurance that the story is inaccurate and we apologise to him, Miss Amal Alamuddin and her mother, Baria, for any distress caused.

"We have removed the article from our website and will be contacting Mr Clooney's representatives to discuss giving him the opportunity to set the record straight."